TagFAA(481)

This FAA guidance document (Advisory Circular 5190.6B, Chapter 13) explains how responsibility for managing airport noise is shared among the federal government, airport operators, airlines, and local governments. The federal government controls airspace and sets aircraft noise standards, while airport sponsors like Sea-Tac have limited authority to restrict access in order to reduce noise impacts on surrounding communities, provided they follow the review and approval process required by the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 (ANCA). Any proposed restrictions affecting Stage 2 or Stage 3 aircraft must comply with 14 CFR Part 161 to ensure they do not unjustly discriminate against airport users or interfere with interstate commerce.

This FAA document (Order 5190.6B), effective September 30, 2009, is the FAA Airport Compliance Manual, which guides FAA personnel on how to interpret and enforce the federal obligations that airport sponsors assume when they accept federal grant funds or federally owned property. It covers the rules and assurances airports must follow to remain in compliance with federal law, including how properties can be used and what commitments sponsors make to the U.S. government. The manual is administered by the FAA Airport Compliance Division in Washington, DC.

This 2009 report from the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) examines how airports across the country manage aircraft noise in communities that fall outside the standard DNL 65 decibel threshold typically used in federal noise policy. Compiled by consultants from Harris Miller Miller & Hanson, Inc., the synthesis documents real-world airport practices for addressing noise concerns in lower-noise areas that are nonetheless affected by flight operations. The findings are intended to help airport operators, planners, and policymakers develop more responsive and comprehensive noise mitigation strategies beyond federally mandated boundaries.

FAA record of approval for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s Noise Compatibility Program under 14 CFR Part 150. The document evaluates eight noise abatement measures and six noise mitigation measures, with the FAA providing approvals and disapprovals for various proposed actions.

The Federal Aviation Administration approved a total grant payment of $4,935,000 to the Port of Seattle for AIP Project Number 3-53-0062-77, covering acoustical insulation work at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Out of $6,476,538.99 in claimed costs, $6,168,750.00 was deemed allowable after disallowing $307,788.99, with the federal share set at 80%. The Port of Seattle submitted closeout documentation in March 2006, though a Circular A-133 audit by Deloitte & Touche and final acoustic test results for Seawind Condominiums were still pending completion at the time of closure.

In 2005, Washington State passed ESSB 5121, directing the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to conduct a multi-phase statewide air transportation capacity study covering both commercial and general aviation airports. The study required an assessment of existing airport facilities and capacity (Phase 1, due July 2006), followed by a 25-year demand and market forecast analysis with focused attention on the Puget Sound region (Phase 2, due July 2007). A 10-member Governor-appointed aviation planning council would then review the findings and make recommendations on how to meet the state's long-term aviation capacity needs, including identifying sites for future airport facilities.

This document is an agenda and discussion outline from the Part 161 Summit held on August 18, 2005, in Denver, Colorado, focused on airport noise use restrictions. It covers topics including the Naples Municipal Airport's experience with a noise ban, the legal and factual requirements needed to justify aircraft use restrictions, and alternative paths to noise relief such as grandfathering, Part 150 programs, and federal legislation. Key criteria for imposing Stage 3 noise restrictions under the Noise Act and FAR Part 161 are outlined, including ensuring restrictions are reasonable, non-discriminatory, and do not unduly burden interstate commerce or the national aviation system.

This draft project schedule outlines the planned timeline for Phase I of Washington State's airport facility, air cargo, passenger, and airspace capacity assessment under ESSB 5121, running from May 2005 through August 2006. Key milestones include advertising for a consultant, developing a detailed scope of work, securing an FAA grant, and completing a final Phase I report by July 1, 2006. WSDOT Aviation was responsible for submitting the findings to legislative committees, the governor, transportation commission, and regional planning organizations.